Mr. William Semenuik of Yorkton, beloved husband of Pauline entered eternal life on May 22, 2014 at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home. He was 89 years of age. William Semenuik, son of George and Katrina (Todoschuk) Semenuik, was born October 14, 1924 in the Rhein district. Here, he attended elementary school and worked on the family farm. A few winters took William to the Hudson Bay area where he worked in the lumber camps. William was united in Holy Matrimony to Pauline Wakarchuk June 8, 1952. They settled on the Semenuik family farm where William built their first home. Together they began raising a family and worked on the land until they were hailed out. William decided to seek employment in Yorkton. Already a self-taught carpenter, he was hired by Weber Construction; here he became a highly-valued foreman and worked for many years up until retirement. He also worked in the Pas, Manitoba as a building inspector, and had his own construction crew for a while in Yorkton. He continued to farm for several years. A man of countless talents and a keen sense of observation, William would tackle any task, whether his own or for others. From restoring the historical windows at Wroxton Church and building projects at Camp Trident, to re-upholstering furniture and teaching his children how to knit, to repairs of all kinds: automobile, farm equipment, appliances, furniture. It was not uncommon to find William in the garage welding, repairing his tools and jigs, rebuilding his vehicle engines, or working on the wood lathe. William loved to share his knowledge with others and became a mentor to many. His generosity of time, skills, and donations was bestowed upon family, friends, neighbours, and many organizations throughout the years. While being a hard worker, faith and family always guided William's way. He and Pauline raised the family in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, volunteering many hours in the Yorkton congregation of Holy Transfiguration, as well as in the surrounding country churches. He served on several committees, was a member of the Order of St. Andrew, enjoyed singing in the church choir, and venturing out with the Christmas carollers. Upon retirement, William enjoyed meeting friends for coffee discussions. He had a sharp wit and generous heart, always offering a warm hello to strangers and acquaintances alike. William is survived by: his wife of 61 years Pauline; Daughters: Zennovia (Nick), Nadia and Fialka; Sons: Wayne (Wendy), Emanuel (Leslie), Eugene (Judith); Grandchildren: Laura (Kevin), Oksana (Graham) , Steven (Bronwyn), George, Christine, Katherine, William (Marisa), Richard, Hal (Marites), Christopher (Chiemi), Isaac; Great grandchildren: Cara and Katie, Connor, Kuya and Kazami, Robert, Oliver, and Ariel; William's Sisters: Polly Smeretsky and Annie Konkel, Brother-in-law Al Wakarchuk; Sisters-in-law Mary Kowalyshen and Sylvia Korol, and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. William is predeceased by: His parents George and Katrina Semenuik, Brother: Nick, Sister: Mary Kostenuk, Brothers-in-law John Smeretsky, Mike Kostenuk, Reinhardt Konkel, Metro Kowalyshen, Zenovie Korol; Sisters-in-law Mary Semenuik, Lillian Wakarchuk. Nieces:Liz Anderson, MaryAnn Morrison, Patricia Fox, Evelyn Zaruma, Margaret Semenuik. Nephews: Carl and Ernest Semenuik, Bill Kostenuk. A Prayer Service was held on Sunday, June 1, 2014 and the Funeral Service on Monday, June 2, 2014 at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Yorkton with Very Rev. Father Mel Slashinsky officiating. The responses were led Gerald Yaholnitsky & Parish Choir Members. Members of the Order of St. Andrew participated in an honour guard. Serving as cross bearer was Steven Duch. The interment took place in the Garden of St. Matthew at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Gary Kowalyshen, Emanuel Semenuik, Eugene Semenuik, Kevin Drinkwater, Grant Korol and William T. Semenuik serving as the casket bearers. Memorials honouring William's life may to Holy Transfiguration Church or to a Charity of Choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at . Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!
